The Rise of Wellness at Home: Why Infrared Saunas Are the Next Big Thing

The wellness at home movement is transforming how we live, and infrared saunas are at the forefront of this trend. Once reserved for gyms and day spas, saunas and hammams are now finding their way into Australian homes, bringing the health benefits of spa culture directly into our daily routines.

Even a couple of years ago at Salone in Milan, I saw this trend in full force. From compact infrared pods to sleek, glass-walled designs that felt more like art installations than fitness equipment. It’s clear the European wave has arrived on our shores, and like the good budgie smuggler clad Aussies that we are, we're quick to dive in.

Well, of course you can rely on me to go and investigate fully.

Why Wellness at Home Is Booming

With busy lifestyles and a renewed focus on health, Australians are looking for ways to make wellness more accessible. Home wellness features  from steam showers to meditation spaces, are becoming as important as kitchens and living rooms in new builds and renovations.

Infrared saunas in particular are popular for their:

• Smaller footprint compared to traditional saunas

• Energy efficiency and quick heating

• Ability to be installed indoors or outdoors

A compact and super stylish sauna tucked into the corner of the garden at our Balgowlah project.

Why Homeowners Love Infrared Saunas

An infrared sauna uses light waves to heat your body directly, rather than heating the air around you. This means you can enjoy the therapeutic benefits at lower, more comfortable temperatures, making it appealing to a wider range of users.

The Key Health Benefits of Infrared Sauna Use

Regular use is linked to:

• Improved circulation and cardiovascular support

• Detoxification through deep sweating

• Muscle recovery and joint pain relief

• Stress reduction and improved sleep

• Immune system support

Designing a Sauna Space That Feels Like a Retreat

Today’s infrared saunas and steam rooms are not only functional — they’re design statements. We’re integrating them into bathrooms, pool houses, garden rooms, and home gyms with materials like warm timbers, frosted glass, and mood lighting to create a truly spa-like atmosphere.

The Yoku H from Effe makes for a stylish home spa set up

Wellness as a Lifestyle Investment

Whether you’re drawn to the health benefits, the convenience, or the beauty of a well-designed sauna space, investing in wellness at home is about more than aesthetics, t’s about creating a home that supports your health, happiness, and longevity.

Speaking of which, I listened to a great interview this week on Diary of a CEO. Steven Bartlett talks with anti-ageing expert Dr Rhonda Patrick (Fear not, this isn't about botox and perky bosoms. Rhonda's a biomedical scientist and an expert in enhanced aging, nutrition and metabolism. She specialises in strategies to enhance longevity, cognitive performance and physical health.)

Really, everyone should find the time to listen to this one. They do discuss the benefits of saunas but there are some other key takeaways that could transform your long term health, namely three key supplements that I've already ordered. (And, I am a huge cynic when it comes to the supplement industry, so give it a listen.) Here's the link.

Thinking about bringing the spa experience home? Whether you’re planning a full wellness retreat or adding an infrared sauna to your bathroom or garden studio, we can help you design a space that feels as good as it looks. Get in touch with us today to start your wellness-at-home journey.

Have a great week!

Alix